September 10, 2003

Miguel Estrada's letter of withdrawal

September 4, 2003

Hon. George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC  20500

Dear Mr. President:

The greatest professional honor that I have received was to be nominated
by you to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit.  I am deeply grateful to you for this honor, and for the
many acts of kindness and concern that you and others at the White
House and in the United States Senate have had for me and my family
during the last two years.  Your personal involvement on my behalf has
been a particular source of pride and comfort to me.

After considerable reflection and deliberation, however, I write to ask you
to withdraw my pending nomination.  I believe that the time has come to
return my full attention to the practice of law, and to regain the ability to
make long-term plans for my family.  I remain indebted to you for offering
me the opportunity to serve my adopted country, which has been so
welcoming and generous to me and my family, and I profoundly hope that,
at some time in the future, I may be called again to serve my country in
some capacity.

Very truly yours,

Miguel A. Estrada